Self-Denial Is Key

Focus: Matthew 16:24 KJV - Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

Surrendering our own wills, personal ambitions, comfort, and control to put God's will first is sine qua non to being the Lord’s follower. To the ancient audience, the cross was not a piece of jewelry but an instrument of execution. Taking up our cross therefore, means a daily willingness to die to our fleshly desires, endure shame, and face persecution or sacrifice for the sake of Christ. And, continually walking in Jesus' footsteps, copying His character, and obeying His commands, no matter where the road leads, is equally essential in the walk of faith with Christ.

After her husband died, Ruth was left a penniless widow in her home country of Moab. Her mother-in-law, Naomi, urged her to stay behind, find a new husband, and enjoy a comfortable, familiar life. Ruth had every human right to choose her own future. Instead, she completely denied her own comfort, security, and cultural identity to stay by Naomi's side. Choosing to go with Naomi to Israel meant embracing a life of immense hardship. As a foreign Moabite widow, Ruth faced extreme poverty, social rejection, and the lowest social status. She willingly took up this "cross" of social shame and grueling daily labor, gleaning scraps in the fields, out of sacrificial love. Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi was ultimately a reflection of her commitment to follow the true God of Israel. Her famous declaration mirrors the heart of a true disciple: "Whither thou goest, I will go … and thy God my God." She followed God into the unknown with absolute devotion.

Ruth’s self-denial and willingness to bear a heavy burden didn't lead to her destruction. God ultimately rewarded her faithfulness, giving her a new family and placing her directly into the royal lineage of King David and Jesus Christ Himself. Her story proves that when you willingly lose your life for God's sake, you end up finding a purpose far greater than anything you left behind. Today, the Lord is saying to us that we ought also to lay aside all pride and self-centeredness but take on the cross of obedience and servitude unto God in all areas of our lives so that we may end well and gloriously. For except a corn of wheat falls to the ground and die, it truly abides alone. Think about it.

Prayer

Father, I thank you for adopting me into your family. As a reciprocal gesture, I submit my totality unto you from today with the effect that I will live only by you and not by my own desires or will any more. Whenever the enemy shows up to want to redirect my focus from this vow, please help me by your Spirit to keep the vow to the end and in all things, let my life be glorious for it, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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